Benitses Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Μπενίτσες
Benitses is a small fishing village on the SE coast of Corfu, with a modest harbour offering reasonable shelter from the prevailing NW Maestro. The village has good tavernas along the waterfront and basic provisions. It is a quiet overnight alternative to the busy marinas — a pleasant anchorage for a single night stop on a passage south from Corfu Town toward Paxos. The anchorage is exposed to S–SW, which is uncommon in summer but becomes a risk in unsettled autumn weather. The village itself is quieter than it was in the 1970s–80s, when it was a major package holiday destination.
Quick Reference
GPS Coordinates
39°31.7'N 19°54.6'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand, mud
Holding
Good holdingProtected From
N, NE, E, NW
Exposed To
S, SE, SW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Anchoring Fee
Free
Permit Required
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m is appropriate for free-swinging in 2.5–4m. If southerly winds are forecast above F3, relocate to a more sheltered bay. The bay is comfortable in the prevailing summer NW Maestro.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 2.5–4m S of the fishing jetty. Sand and mud bottom with good holding once set. Protected from N and NE. The SE corner of the bay shoals — stay N of the 2m line. Exposed to S through SW — not comfortable in southerly conditions.
Setting Your Anchor
The bottom at Benitses is primarily sand and mud with reliable holding when properly set. Use the following approach:
- Approach slowly and check your depth sounder on the way in. At 2–4m, deploy at minimum 7:1 scope (28m chain at 4m depth).
- Drop into the wind or current and pay out chain steadily as the boat drifts back — do not allow chain to pile on the anchor.
- Set firmly in reverse. Apply moderate throttle astern for 30–60 seconds. The chain should tighten without the boat moving backwards.
- Take a GPS bearing. Note your position once set and compare to the scope calculator to confirm you have adequate chain for the depth.
Recommended anchor types for this bottom: Delta, Rocna, CQR. See our guide to anchor types by bottom for detailed comparisons.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Overnight stays at Benitses are feasible but require monitoring. The anchorage is exposed to S and SE and SW winds.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 65m radius before going below for the night.65m is appropriate for free-swinging in 2.5–4m. If southerly winds are forecast above F3, relocate to a more sheltered bay. The bay is comfortable in the prevailing summer NW Maestro.
Best May–October in NW weather. Avoid overnight stays when any southerly is forecast. Quietest anchorage on the SE coast — a peaceful alternative to busier Corfu Town anchorages.
Navigation Hazards
- Exposed to S through SW — uncomfortable or untenable in southerly conditions
- Shoaling in the SE corner of the bay — stay in 2.5m+ water
- Fishing boat traffic in and out of the small harbour
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: Not required beyond standard Greek DEKPA transit log
- Anchoring fee: Free
- Restrictions: Respect the local fishing boats in the harbour. Do not block the jetty.
For a full overview of Greek anchoring rules, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Not available on site
- Fuel: Not available — nearest: Benitses village (0nm)
- Restaurant: Several tavernas along the waterfront
- Provisions: Available
Skipper's Tips
- A pleasant overnight stop when heading south from Corfu Town toward Paxos — break a long passage here.
- Check the forecast for southerly systems before committing overnight.
- Waterfront tavernas offer good local food at reasonable prices compared to Corfu Town.
A note on this guide: The data in this guide has been researched from multiple sailing sources and is provided in good faith. Anchorage conditions — including depth, holding, and local regulations — can change. Before visiting, always check current weather forecasts, NAVTEX and VHF weather bulletins, and consult your up-to-date charts. Use a GPS anchor alarm and never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Benitses
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and sounds a loud alarm the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — so you can relax and enjoy the Corfu & Paxos anchorage.
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